Aromatherapy for Sleep and Snoring?

Since time immemorial, essential oils have been used for the treatment of different ailments. These are made through the extraction of natural chemicals from specific plants. The chemicals are responsible for the flavors and odors of the plants so extracting these is pretty much similar to extracting the plant’s essence.

Real essential oils undergo natural extraction either through crushing or steaming different parts of the plant. These essential oils are usually made from leaves, herbs, flowers, roots, and even tree bark. Essential oils in aromatherapy are often applied onto the skin or inhaled. Aromatherapy makes use of essential oils to enhance your mental, physical, or spiritual health without the risk from harmful drugs or chemicals.

Based on clinical trials, it was discovered that essential oils can actually help reduce anxiety and nausea in cancer patients. Other studies have also identified the antibacterial effects of essential oils when applied topically.

Even though science doesn’t have enough evidence or indeed enough desire to back it up right now, a lot of people have long sworn by the positive effects of essential oils and aromatherapy especially for sleep and snoring.

Around 45% of all adults tend to snore occasionally while 25% are habitual snorers. Snoring can sometimes be more than a mere inconvenience to many people. Snoring may also result in insomnia and problems developing in relationships with your bed partner. Loud habitual snoring might also be a sign of an underlying serious condition known as sleep apnea.

A word of caution first. Always read the instructions on any essential oil or combination of oils and of course always follow the guidelines. Some oils even though they are natural can be quite strong and need a carrier oil in some cases to dilute them down to the desired level. If unsure always as a qualified Aromatherapy practitioner on the best way to utilize the oils in question. Ok now let’s get onto the Best oils to consider for Sleep and Snoring.

Best Oils for Sleep and Snoring

A lot of essential oils have been touted to help improve sleep and treat snoring. Some of the most notable are the following:

Thyme – According to aromatherapy massage experts, rubbing a small amount of thyme oil on the feet at night can actually help reduce snoring.
Eucalyptus – Some early studies claim that eucalyptus helps break up the mucus in the respiratory system which includes the back of the throat and the sinuses. People also use eucalyptus oil for relieving bronchitis and asthma symptoms.
Peppermint – Peppermint oil has some purifying effects which help in clearing the sinuses and making it easier to breathe. When your snoring deteriorates because you are stuffed up from a cold or flu, it may help if you inhale some peppermint oil.
Cedar wood – Cedar wood is known for its woody smell which helps relax the body’s muscles and reduce anxiety. This can also help you enter a more relaxed state that paves the way for better sleep.
Clove – Clove is a type of herb known for different medicinal uses. Clove oil can be used for loosening phlegm in your chest. It can also help break up the phlegm moving to the back of the throat when lying down to sleep.
Lemon oil – Lemon oil has a fresh citrus scent and has been shown to enhance mood. It can help through decreasing anxiety and encouraging feelings of wellbeing.
Marjoram – Marjoram boasts expectorant properties which help in breaking up the mucus that obstructs your breathing at night.
Pine oil – Pine oil is an essential oil derived from pine needles with both antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Experts in aromatherapy also use this for massaging sore joints and stressed muscles. Massage therapy is found to be an effective treatment for insomnia.
Sage – Sage oil has long been used for its medicinal value. It can be effective against respiratory infections like the common cold. It could also help boost your circulation.
Fennel – Fennel can provide anti-inflammatory properties. Some people use it for reducing inflammation in their throat and nose and improving the air flow through their nasal passageways.
Citronella – Snoring can develop as a result of drinking alcohol. The best thing about citronella oil is that it has some detoxifying properties, which can help you sweat out and urinate away harmful toxins.
Lavender – It’s the most commonly used oil for treating insomnia. It promotes relaxation and can trigger the production of melatonin, which is the hormone for sleep. It is beneficial for those who have partners that snore.
Valerian – Valerian roots have powerful sedative effects. This is the reason why it is commonly used in most natural sleeping supplements. Valerian oils can help promote restful night’s sleep for you with several limited position changes or serve as sleep aid for those who snore.

Now you have a list of the potential oils to use, let’s describe some ways you can get the best from these oils.

Using Essential Oils Properly to Treat Snoring

There are some ways to use essential oils to treat snoring and these include the following:

Add oil to a hot bath
Diffuse essential oils into the air and enjoy better air quality
Add some drops of oil to the water and gargle for 30-60 seconds
Add some drops of diluted essential oil to the your feet’s bottom
Add essential oils to the carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil and massage it to your skin

Essential oils are a good way to treat snoring naturally and will help you stop snoring. With any essential oils mentioned to stop snoring, you can either consider the following:

Do Steam Inhalation

You can do this with essential drops on a bowl of hot water, a towel on your head and four to six minutes of deep breathing.

Apply Them to Your Feet’s Base

You should do this, particularly at the bottom of your big toes, mixed with carrier oil like jojoba and sweet almond oil. You can also try other carrier oils.

However, it is important to note that there are other essential oils that are best suited for snoring and they can smell a bit strong. This is the reason why most essential oil companies have different kinds of blends that will let you breathe easy and not be effected by the strength of the oil. Depending on your personal preferences or needs, you can combine essential oils to make a good, well-rounded blend. Just make sure to choose the essential oils that you like to use and blend it properly.

Conclusion

Snoring should be taken seriously. It can prevent you and your partner from getting better night sleep. Aromatherapy for sleep and snoring can promote healthy sleep and help reduce symptoms of snoring. If you’re still experiencing trouble sleeping, consult your sleep or snoring specialist or a suitably qualified professional in aromatherapy or similar. He or she will be able to help you determine if the essential oils or other options are ideal for your overall needs in getting a better sleep, reducing snoring or simply feeling more refreshed and energized.